Last call for old laptops and tablets to support vulnerable residents

Local businesses and residents are being asked again to donate old tablets and laptops to be repurposed and delivered to vulnerable residents across Warwickshire and Coventry.

As the internet is increasingly used across all areas of life, a growing digital divide has evolved, leaving many households and individuals unable to access services and support. There are many reasons why people struggle to access technology, such as skills, motivation and trust. Now with the rising cost of living, affordability and access are additional reasons.

Coventry & Warwickshire Cooperative Development Agency has been commissioned by Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, through the Wellbeing for Life programme, to deliver a programme which began during the initial lockdowns to support people isolating or unable to access equipment for educational needs. To date, they have supported over 100 applications across Coventry and Warwickshire, and have the capacity to continue until the end of 2022, but further donations and referrals are needed.

The offer has also been extended to include the following potential recipients:

• families with children to support on-line learning
• individuals with mental health needs to access healthcare support on-line
• individuals who are long term unemployed, needing to job seek on-line
• projects supporting refugees & asylum seekers

To donate, equipment must be in working order and able to run Windows 10. In order to repurpose the equipment for use in the home, the Co-operative Development Agency will be supporting the initiative by wiping clean the hard drive before installing a basic operating system. Onward support will also be offered to help residents get used to their new devices and access services online and the equipment is theirs to keep.

To donate, please contact the Coventry & Warwickshire Co-Operative Development Agency.

For more information please contact Alistair Rigby on alistairrigby@warwickshire.gov.uk for enquiries about the initiative, or contact Jo Southan on josouthan@warwickshire.gov.uk for more about Wellbeing for Life.